A survivor's guide to the NEC Motorhome and Caravan Show

It's that time of year again! The air is thick with the scent of freshly valeted upholstery and the distant promise of adventure. Yes, the NEC Motorhome and Caravan Show is back from the 17th to the 22nd of February, and it's bigger and shinier than ever. Think of it as the Glastonbury of the leisure vehicle world, but with slightly less mud and a much higher chance of walking away with a new mortgage. It's a brilliant day out, but for the unprepared, it can be an overwhelming labyrinth of fibreglass and finance deals. Fear not, intrepid explorer, for I am here to guide you through the glorious madness.

Picture the scene: five sprawling halls covering 19 acres, packed with over 420 exhibitors and more motorhomes, caravans, and campervans than you can shake a stabiliser leg at. It's easy to get distracted by the first shiny A class you see and spend the rest of the day wandering in a daze, only to realise you missed the one thing you actually came to see. To avoid this, you need a plan. Before you even sniff the NEC's postcode (B40 1NT, by the way), head to the show's website and download the show map. Make a list of your absolute must sees, whether it's the big name manufacturers in Hall 3, the quirky converters in Hall 5, or the acres of awnings and accessories in Halls 1 and 4. Having a hit list will keep you focused and save your feet from an early bath.

Get your tickets sorted early

Tickets are significantly cheaper if you buy them in advance online. At the time of writing, standard advance tickets are £13 per person, compared to a rather painful £19 on the door. If you are a member of the Camping and Caravanning Club, you can bag them for just £11.25, which is a tidy 40% saving. There is a small £1.25 transaction fee per order, but that's still a bargain compared to rocking up and paying full whack. Children under 15 go free, though they still need a ticket, and you can bring up to two children per paying adult.

The show opens at 10am and runs until 6pm every day. My top tip? If you can, go on a weekday. The weekends are predictably rammed, and you will spend half your time queuing to get inside a motorhome rather than actually looking at one. Midweek is calmer, quieter, and far more enjoyable. If you are retired or can swing a day off work, Tuesday to Thursday is the sweet spot.

Don't get swept away by the sales pitch

Let's be honest, the salespeople at the show are very, very good at their jobs. They are there to sell you a dream, and in the heat of the moment, with the smell of new carpets and the allure of a "show only" deal, it is incredibly easy to get carried away. You pop in for a new camping chair and walk out with a £90,000 motorhome and a complimentary set of mugs. It happens. My advice? Use the show for what it's brilliant for: seeing a huge variety of layouts and models in the flesh. Touch things, open cupboards, lie on the beds, and take photos of the ones you love.

But do not, under any circumstances, feel pressured into signing on the dotted line there and then. This is a massive purchase, not a multipack of crisps. Go home, have a cup of tea, and sleep on it. Do your research, check your finances, and make sure it's the right decision for you, not just for the salesperson's commission. Remember, those "show only" deals are often available for weeks afterwards if you ring the dealer directly. A great deal will still be a great deal tomorrow, and a bad decision will haunt you all the way down the M6. Be strong, my friend. Your bank balance will thank you.

The practical bits: parking, pooches, and pasties

First, the good news. Parking is included in your ticket price, which is a small miracle in this day and age. The NEC uses a number plate recognition system, so to make your exit as smooth as a freshly tarmacked B road, you can register your vehicle online before you go using the promo code on the show's website. If you forget, don't panic; you can validate your parking with a QR code on the day. Just remember, there's strictly no overnight camping in the car park, so don't get any funny ideas about testing out that new sleeping bag.

Now for the not so good news for our four legged friends. Pets are not allowed at the show, with the exception of assistance dogs. It's a busy, crowded environment, and honestly, it's no place for a dog. Please, don't leave them in the car either. Get a friend, a neighbour, or a dog sitter sorted before you go. As for feeding yourselves, you can of course bring your own food and enjoy it in one of the picnic areas. However, if you fancy treating yourself, the NEC has everything from Starbucks and Subway to a Wetherspoons, a Cornish Bakery, and a whole range of street food stalls. If you want to push the boat out, Resorts World is just next door with the likes of Nando's and Five Guys. So you won't go hungry, but your wallet might get a second workout.

Is it a day out for the kids?

If the thought of dragging your children around a giant vehicle showroom fills you with dread, you might be pleasantly surprised. Children under 15 get in for free, which is a great start. The organisers have also made a real effort to provide entertainment beyond comparing cassette toilet capacities. There are free activities like an indoor climbing wall, kayaking on a giant pool (yes, really!), bushcraft sessions, animal encounters, and even axe throwing for the more adventurous family members.

It can be a fantastic day out, but a word to the wise: it's a long and tiring day for little legs. A pushchair is a must for younger children, and a well stocked bag of snacks is your secret weapon. Manage their expectations, it's not Alton Towers, but it can still be a fun adventure. If you have very young children, you might want to consider whether they will genuinely enjoy it or whether you would be better off going with a partner or friend while the other half stays home. There's no shame in admitting that a toddler and 19 acres of exhibition halls is a recipe for a meltdown. And I'm not just talking about the toddler.

Finding your way around the madness

Navigating the NEC can feel like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube in the dark, but there is a logic to the layout. Generally speaking, if you are on the hunt for a brand new motorhome from one of the big manufacturers like Bailey, Auto Trail, or Coachman, you will want to make a beeline for Hall 3. This is where the major dealers set up shop and where you will find the widest range of new models to compare side by side. If it's caravans you are after, Hall 2 is your main destination.

For the accessory addicts and awning aficionados among us, Halls 1 and 4 are your Aladdin's caves, packed with every gadget and gizmo you never knew you needed. From solar panels and levelling systems to camping furniture and the latest in portable power, you could easily lose an entire afternoon in there. And for those looking for something a bit different, from bespoke campervan conversions to rugged off grid machines, Hall 5 is where you will find the innovators and specialists. There is also a massive tent and camping display in Hall 1 if that's your thing. Knowing this rough layout before you arrive can save you hours of aimless wandering.

Don't miss the free extras

Beyond the vehicles themselves, there is a surprising amount of free entertainment and education on offer. The Inspiration Theatre hosts free talks throughout the day from experienced travellers and outdoor enthusiasts, covering everything from European road trip itineraries to tips for wild camping in the UK. No booking is needed, just grab a seat and soak it up. It's a great excuse to rest your feet for half an hour too.

There is also a Leisure Vehicle Advice Hub where you can get free, impartial guidance from industry experts. If you are new to motorhoming and don't know your overcab from your A class, this is the place to start. They run "Ask the Expert" sessions twice daily, and it's a brilliant resource that many visitors walk straight past without realising it's there. The Caravan and Motorhome Club also offer free motorhome manoeuvring sessions, which is handy if you are thinking about upgrading to something bigger and want to know if you can actually park it.

My top survival tips

Wear comfortable shoes. I cannot stress this enough. You will walk miles, and there is nothing worse than hobbling around Hall 5 with blisters the size of dinner plates. Dress in layers too, because the halls can vary wildly in temperature. Take a small rucksack rather than a carrier bag, because you will accumulate brochures, leaflets, and free pens at an alarming rate. Bring a portable phone charger, because you will be taking photos of every layout that catches your eye, and your battery will not last the day.

Finally, go with a sense of humour and an open mind. You will see things you love, things you hate, and things that make you wonder who on earth thought that was a good idea. That's all part of the fun. The NEC Motorhome and Caravan Show is a brilliant day out whether you are a seasoned motorhomer or a complete beginner. Just plan ahead, keep your wits about you near the sales desks, and enjoy every minute of it. Happy show hunting

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